Landon said, "How long do you think it will take for you to drag this out before those two end up married, or worse—start having babies?" Jasper's heart skipped several beats at the thought. Nevertheless, he said coldly, "Who told you I was going after her again? "I need the information because she has taken away yet another project of mine. This time, she's working with Jameson Schmidt. It will negatively impact the company moving forward.""Whatever you say, dude." Landon cackled, then tossed an orange peel at his friend.Jasper caught it with his hand before crushing it into dry pulp.Xavier had to resist the urge to laugh with every fiber of his being. "Mr. Jasper, there appears to be no relationship between Madam and Mr. Jameson that is worth losing sleep over. "She had eyes only for you in the past three years, and there's no evidence of any involvement with the Schmidt family on her end prior to that."Only then did Jasper's expression lighten up. Jameson's affection
Zoe blushed instantly, feeling awkward."She hasn't used those silverware yet, Jasper. Don't worry about saliva." Landon frowned, defending his sister."I'm sorry, Jasper. I'll use a clean fork."Zoe then used a new fork to serve Jasper the seafood paella, but Jasper stopped her once again. "I can help myself."That made Zoe pout. "We used to be inseparable, Jasper. Have a few years apart really changed our bond? Remember how we used to share the same ice cream?""We were children then. Now, none of us are." Jasper looked away, scooping some stir-fried garlic green beans into his plate before eating them.Zoe bit her lip and silently ate her helping of paella, expression upset.Jasper gazed at the spread of food on the table and remembered how Alyssa used to cook these for him, too.These dishes took a long time to prepare. Alyssa usually spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen making them until oil and vapor stained her skin. Yet, he never once thanked her for them. Even a
"It's really a fine plan, Mr. Jasper!" Xavier said, then asked timidly, "It's just, with Madam's personality, there's a risk she just might win over Ada Kingsley. Why don't we …""Get to the point.""Why don't we let Madam have this small win instead? It doesn't determine the final victor anyway. We'll be the gentlemen in this scenario and let the lady have it. Plus, you two were married before—"No!" Jasper said sharply. "If we can't move Alexa, then we have no choice but to start from Ada Kingsley. Alyssa must be in the same boat as us if she's doing the same thing. "Every whiff of progress is enough to set us back to square one. We cannot let her have this win. We need Ada to attend our welcoming party no matter the cost!"Jasper then entered his car while Xavier was left standing there alone. The latter's face slowly crumbled into despair.Jasper pondered how his boss could ever win back Alyssa with the current approach.Jasper sighed heavily in his seat. He was actually co
Three days later, Ada Kingsley arrived in Solana City with her team of people. Unfortunately, Sean got wind from her manager that they had chosen to attend the Beckett Group's welcoming party instead of theirs.When Sean furiously ran to share this news with Alyssa, she was in the midst of playing pool with Cyrus. "Ms. Alyssa!" Sean cried."Shh! I'm about to win." Alyssa hushed. This one strike would determine how luxurious a dinner she was going to have tonight.Sean had no choice but to fidget nervously while waiting for Alyssa's game with her brother to end. He couldn't interrupt her while she was so focused.The final two pool balls were knocked into each other and rolled slowly into adjacent pockets."Yes!" Alyssa cried excitedly.Cyrus chuckled, entirely unbothered by the fact he had lost to her. "You're getting really good at this."Alyssa leaned against her cue stick, sticking her tongue out. "You were a good teacher, after all."A shoulder strap on her wine-red spa
Jasper sat in his office, quietly gazing at his desktop. Each time he clicked his mouse, a different picture would appear on the monitor.All of the pictures featured none other than Alyssa herself.These were the pictures Xavier had taken after shadowing her over the past few days. His initial goal had been to gather information about KS World Hotel's next move. However, he had only succeeded in capturing these candid, everyday-life images of her.Jasper's gaze was intense as he examined the pictures, as though he were hoping they might spring to life at any moment.Just then, his phone vibrated.Then it vibrated again.Then again.It went on for ten more times. Jasper pursed his lips as he looked at the notifications. What he saw made his heart leap to his throat. He swiftly got his coat and ran out the office door.…Alyssa and Cyrus had a blast catching up with each other at the Tenggrian barbecue place, topping each other off with wine every twenty minutes.Alyssa
Cyrus wasn't fond of males who got close to his sister, save for their siblings."Cool it, will you, Cyrus? He's no stranger." Alyssa chuckled."No, he's not. But he's still a man." Cyrus shot Sean a look. "You should really consider a female personal assistant.""Damn. This police job is really getting to you, Cyrus. Not everyone's a criminal, you know," Alyssa said as she swayed on her feet."There's no harm in being alert."Cyrus helped Alyssa get in the car and shut the door. Sean nodded politely at him and was about to head to the driver's seat when Cyrus said, "Wait.""Yes, Mr. Cyrus?" Sean asked solemnly."I understand that given your position as Lyse's secretary, you have to stay around her all the time." Cyrus' gaze was sharp as a hawk. "However, you are also expected to keep yourself in check. What doesn't belong to you will never belong to you, so don't cross the line. Ever. "I am not as tolerant as Jonah or Silas. I have seen the vilest depths of evil a human is
When Jasper finally reached the barbecue restaurant, Alyssa and her "companion" had long left. He gritted his teeth, recalling how she had been so intimately close to him in the pictures Xavier sent him.Jasper felt like a fool at the moment. However, he couldn't shake his concern about Alyssa coming to such a place late at night for a meal. Did she not understand the concept of boundaries?His phone suddenly rang with an unknown number."Yes?"A monotonous female voice asked, "Is this Mr. Jasper Beckett?" "Yes.""This is the East Solana Police Bureau. What is your relation to Xavier Hall?"Jasper's brows furrowed. "He's my secretary. What's going on?""Please come over to the station."…The night seemed to be passing by like a dream. Jasper couldn't for the life of him figure out how Xavier had gotten himself arrested by the police.When he entered the police station, he came face to face with a man in a black leather jacket. This was the man who was with Alyssa earlier!Cyrus caref
Jasper turned around slowly to find Alyssa standing a couple of steps behind him. Her eyes were cold and flat as they locked onto his."Why did you come all the way here, Lyse?" Cyrus ignored Jasper and went up to her. "I told you I would handle this myself. You should be getting to bed.""No. I need to take care of this myself." She then turned to Jasper, her gaze icy. The sight made Jasper's heart clench. She had never shown him an ounce of warmth since their divorce. Jasper was honestly more frightened than angry over this nowadays. Deep inside, he felt terrified at the thought of being treated like a stranger by Alyssa. He would rather she hated him with all her passion than treat her so coldly."Alyssa …""Walk with me," Alyssa said, then walked out of the police station. Jasper was about to walk when Cyrus grabbed his shoulder. "Hey! Let me remind you to keep yourself in line. This is the police department. Any silly moves, and I'll lock you up for a week!""You're h
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc